Why Celtic made the right decision by sending Kieran McGrath on loan

According to Scottish Sun, Celtic striker Kieran McGrath joined Icelandic top-flight strugglers Knattspyrnudeild Grotta on loan until September.

McGrath joined Celtic’s youth setup back as one of the hottest prospects in Scottish football from rivals Hibs back in 2015. The 19-year-old, however, has not yet featured for the Hoops first-team.

Despite not playing for the Scottish giants, the teenager gave a fair glimpse of his talent by impressing for East Kilbride on loan last term. He scored two goals for them from two games in the SFC Cup helping the side progress to the fourth round before losing to BSC Glasgow.

With first-team opportunities rare at Neil Lennon’s current Celtic squad, the young striker has now been sent on another loan spell to fulfil his potential. He joined Icelandic top-flight side Grotta, who are currently at the rock-bottom of the league table last week.

First-team opportunities rare for McGrath at Celtic

Meanwhile, Lennon’s Celtic are in sensational form after emerging as the champions of Scotland and are aiming for a tenth consecutive domestic league title ahead of next season. Much of Celtic’s success this season has been due to the brilliant form of their star striker and young forward Odsonne Edouard.

The 22-year-old Frenchman scored a massive 21 goals in his 27 league appearances for the Hoops, making him one of the most sought-out strikers in Europe. His consistent goal-scoring has seen him establish himself as the side’s first-choice man in front of goal ahead of the experienced Leigh Griffiths this season.

The 29-year-old Griffiths, on the other hand, has also been impressive, scoring nine goals in the league this term. But he has started to show signs of ageing. Apart from Edouard and Griffiths, Celtic also have Patryk Klimala, Vakoun Issouf Bayo and Jonathan Afolabi as back-up.

However, all three are still young and are yet to impress manager Lennon. Klimala just arrived during the January transfer window and has played just four matches for them. He is yet to open his account.

Bayo joined Celtic in January last year and has managed just two goals despite making 17 appearances altogether. Afolabi, meanwhile, is way down the pecking order and just returned from a loan spell at Championship outfit Dunfermline Athletic FC.

With the side already having as many as five strikers in their ranks, first-team opportunities will be very limited for McGrath, who has, until now, featured for their reserve side. Thus, the club’s decision to send him on loan to Grotta is the right move as it will offer him more game time and help him in the development of his game.

Read more

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• Why Celtic should revive their interest in David Turnbull
• Celtic keep close tabs on Scotland team’s No.1 David Marshall – Could he be the man to ease Lennon’s woes in goal?

Verdict

At the moment, Celtic have enough depth in their striking department and McGrath seems surplus to the club’s requirements. Letting the young striker go out on loan to grab more regular football will, in turn, only benefit the club as it would prepare him for the upcoming challenges in the future. Moreover, he is still in his teens and still has a lot of time to prove his potential.